Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A network comprising a first centralized unit (CU) and a first distributed unit (DU) for handling a fallback, comprising: at least one storage device; and at least one processing circuit, coupled to the at least one storage device, wherein the at least one storage device stores instructions, and the at least one processing circuit is configured to execute the instructions of: the first CU receiving a first INITIAL UPLINK (UL) RADIO RESOURCE CONTROL (RRC) MESSAGE TRANSFER message from the first DU, wherein the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a first RRCReestablishmentRequest message or a first RRCResumeRequest message received from a first communication device, and comprises a first CellGroupConfig for the first communication device; the first CU transmitting a first DOWNLINK (DL) RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, wherein the first DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCSetup message, and the RRCSetup message comprises the first CellGroupConfig; the first CU receiving a second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message from the first DU, wherein the second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a second RRCReestablishmentRequest message or a second RRCResumeRequest message from a second communication device, and comprises a second CellGroupConfiq for the second communication device; and the first CU transmitting a second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU has a UE AS context of the second communication device, wherein the second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCReestablishment message responding to the second RRCReestablishmentRequest message.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically handling fallback procedures in a split architecture where a centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) manage radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The problem addressed is ensuring seamless RRC reestablishment or resumption when a communication device (UE) transitions between network states, such as during handover or connection recovery. The network includes a CU and DU with storage and processing circuits. The CU receives an initial uplink RRC message transfer from the DU, containing either an RRCReestablishmentRequest or RRCResumeRequest from a UE, along with a CellGroupConfig. The CU responds by transmitting a downlink RRC message transfer to the DU, which includes an RRCSetup message incorporating the CellGroupConfig. If the CU subsequently receives another initial uplink RRC message transfer for a different UE and has an existing UE access stratum (AS) context for that device, it transmits a downlink RRC message transfer with an RRCReestablishment message in response to the RRCReestablishmentRequest. This ensures proper handling of fallback procedures while maintaining context continuity for UEs in the network.
2. The network of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further comprise: the first DU transmitting the RRCSetup message to the first communication device; the first DU receiving a RRCSetupComplete message from the first communication device, in response to the RRCSetup message; and the first DU transmitting a first UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprising the RRCSetupComplete message, to the first CU.
This invention relates to a distributed network architecture for wireless communication systems, specifically involving distributed units (DUs) and centralized units (CUs) in a split radio access network (RAN). The problem addressed is efficient signaling and message handling between a communication device, such as a user equipment (UE), and the network infrastructure, particularly during the radio resource control (RRC) connection setup process. The network includes at least one DU and one CU, where the DU handles lower-layer functions like radio transmission and reception, while the CU manages higher-layer functions like RRC. The DU receives an RRCSetup message from the CU and transmits it to a communication device. Upon receiving an RRCSetupComplete message from the communication device in response, the DU forwards this message to the CU via an uplink (UL) RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message. This ensures proper coordination between the DU and CU during the RRC connection establishment phase, allowing seamless handling of control signaling in a distributed RAN environment. The invention optimizes the interaction between the DU and CU, reducing latency and improving efficiency in message exchange during the RRC setup procedure.
3. The network of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further comprise: the first CU determines to generate the RRCSetup message for the first communication device, if the first CU does not have a user equipment (UE) access-stratum (AS) context of the first communication device.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically to a centralized unit (CU) in a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) architecture. The problem addressed is efficiently managing radio resource control (RRC) signaling when a communication device (e.g., a user equipment or UE) connects to the network, particularly when the CU lacks the UE's access-stratum (AS) context, which contains essential information for managing the connection. The invention describes a network where a first CU determines whether to generate an RRCSetup message for a first communication device based on the availability of the UE's AS context. If the first CU does not have the UE's AS context, it generates the RRCSetup message to initiate the connection process. This ensures that the network can properly establish a connection even when the CU lacks prior context information about the UE. The solution optimizes signaling efficiency by avoiding unnecessary context retrieval steps when the context is unavailable, streamlining the connection setup process. The invention may also involve other components, such as distributed units (DUs) that handle lower-layer functions, and may interact with other network elements to manage the UE's connection. The approach improves network performance by reducing latency and signaling overhead in scenarios where the UE's context is not pre-stored in the CU.
4. A network comprising a first centralized unit (CU) and a first distributed unit (DU) for handling a fallback, comprising: at least one storage device; and at least one processing circuit, coupled to the at least one storage device, wherein the at least one storage device stores instructions, and the at least one processing circuit is configured to execute the instructions of: the first CU receiving a first INITIAL UPLINK (UL) RADIO RESOURCE CONTROL (RRC) MESSAGE TRANSFER message from the first DU, wherein the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a first RRCReestablishmentRequest message or a first RRCResumeRequest message received from a first communication device, and comprises a first CellGroupConfig for the first communication device; the first CU transmitting a first DOWNLINK (DL) RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU does not have a first user equipment (UE) access-stratum (AS) context of the first communication device, wherein the first DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCSetup message, and the RRCSetup message comprises the first CellGroupConfig; and the first CU transmitting a second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU has the first UE AS context of the first communication device, wherein the second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a first RRCReestablishment message or a RRCResume message, and the RRCResume message comprises a second CellGroupConfig; the first CU receiving a second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message from the first DU, wherein the second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a second RRCReestablishmentRequest message or a second RRCResumeRequest message from a second communication device, and comprises a third CellGroupConfig for the second communication device; and the first CU transmitting a third DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU has a second UE AS context of the second communication device, wherein the third DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a second RRCReestablishment message responding to the second RRCReestablishmentRequest message.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically handling fallback procedures in a network architecture with centralized and distributed units. The problem addressed is ensuring seamless communication device (UE) re-establishment or resumption when a connection is lost or interrupted, particularly in networks using a split architecture where control and user plane functions are separated between a centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU). The network includes a CU and DU configured to manage fallback procedures. When a UE sends an initial uplink RRC message (either RRCReestablishmentRequest or RRCResumeRequest) to the DU, the DU forwards it to the CU. The CU checks if it has the UE's access-stratum (AS) context. If not, the CU sends a downlink RRC message transfer to the DU containing an RRCSetup message with a CellGroupConfig for the UE. If the CU has the UE's AS context, it sends a downlink RRC message transfer with either an RRCReestablishment or RRCResume message, including a CellGroupConfig. The process repeats for subsequent UEs, with the CU responding to reestablishment requests based on whether it retains the UE's context. This ensures efficient re-establishment or resumption of connections while maintaining network stability.
5. The network of claim 4 , wherein the instructions further comprise: the first CU receiving part of the first UE AS context from the first DU or a second DU; and the first CU generating another part of the first UE AS context.
A network architecture for wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of efficiently managing user equipment (UE) access stratum (AS) context across distributed network nodes. The system involves a central unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DUs) that collectively handle UE connectivity. The CU receives a portion of the UE AS context from either the first DU or a second DU, while generating the remaining portion of the context itself. This distributed approach allows for flexible context management, reducing latency and improving resource utilization by leveraging both local and centralized processing. The solution ensures seamless handover and service continuity by dynamically distributing context generation and storage responsibilities between the CU and DUs, optimizing network performance in heterogeneous environments. The system is particularly useful in scenarios requiring low-latency communication and efficient context handling, such as in 5G and beyond networks.
6. A network comprising a first centralized unit (CU) and a first distributed unit (DU) for handling a fallback, comprising: at least one storage device; and at least one processing circuit, coupled to the at least one storage device, wherein the at least one storage device stores instructions, and the at least one processing circuit is configured to execute the instructions of: the first CU receiving an INITIAL UPLINK (UL) RADIO RESOURCE CONTROL (RRC) MESSAGE TRANSFER message from the first DU, wherein the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a first RRCResumeRequest message received from a first communication device; the first CU transmitting a first DOWNLINK (DL) RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU does not have a first user equipment (UE) access-stratum (AS) context of the first communication device; and the first CU transmitting a UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message to the first DU, in response to the first INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU has the first UE AS context of the first communication device, wherein the UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message comprises a signaling radio bearer (SRB) identity, a data radio bearer (DRB) identity and a master cell group (MCG) CellGroupConfig; the first CU receiving a second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message from the first DU, wherein the second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCReestablishmentRequest message or a second RRCResumeRequest message from a second communication device, and comprises a first CellGroupConfig for the second communication device; and the first CU transmitting a second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the first DU, in response to the second INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, if the first CU has a second UE AS context of the second communication device, wherein the second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCReestablishment message responding to the RRCReestablishmentRequest message.
This patent describes a network, comprising a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU), configured to handle fallback. The CU processes Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages from communication devices via the DU based on stored instructions. When the CU receives an initial uplink RRC message from the DU, containing an RRCResumeRequest from a first device: 1. If the CU lacks the device's Access-Stratum (AS) context, it sends a downlink RRC message to the DU (potentially an RRCReject or RRCSetup, as further described in related claims). 2. If the CU has the device's AS context, it sends a UE Context Setup Request to the DU, including signaling radio bearer (SRB), data radio bearer (DRB), and master cell group (MCG) CellGroupConfig identities. For a second device, if the CU receives an initial uplink RRC message (with an RRCReestablishmentRequest or RRCResumeRequest) and possesses that device's AS context, it sends a downlink RRC message containing an RRCReestablishment message, specifically responding to an RRCReestablishmentRequest. ERROR (embedding): Error: Failed to save embedding: Could not find the 'embedding' column of 'patent_claims' in the schema cache
7. The network of claim 6 , wherein the first DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCReject message, if the INITIAL UL RRC REQUEST TRANSFER message comprises a second CellGroupConfig.
A wireless communication network system includes a base station and a user device configured to establish a connection using radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The system addresses the problem of efficiently managing RRC connection establishment, particularly when the user device sends an initial uplink RRC request containing a cell group configuration. The base station processes this request and, if the request includes a cell group configuration, responds with a downlink RRC message transfer that contains an RRCReject message. This rejection indicates that the initial request was not accepted, allowing the user device to adjust its configuration or retry the connection process. The system ensures proper handling of RRC signaling in scenarios where the user device attempts to include unsupported or invalid configurations, preventing connection failures and improving network reliability. The base station's ability to reject such requests with an RRCReject message ensures that only valid configurations proceed, maintaining efficient resource utilization and reducing unnecessary signaling overhead. This mechanism is particularly useful in environments where multiple cell groups or complex configurations are involved, ensuring seamless and error-free RRC connection establishment.
8. The network of claim 6 , wherein the first DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprises a RRCSetup message, if the INITIAL UL RRC REQUEST TRANSFER message comprises a second CellGroupConfig.
A wireless communication network system is designed to optimize signaling procedures during initial access and connection establishment between a user device and a base station. The system addresses inefficiencies in conventional protocols by streamlining the exchange of radio resource control (RRC) messages to reduce latency and resource overhead. Specifically, the network includes a base station configured to receive an initial uplink RRC request message from a user device, which may include a cell group configuration parameter. In response, the base station generates a downlink RRC message transfer, such as an RRCSetup message, to establish the connection. The RRCSetup message contains necessary configuration data to enable the user device to transition from an idle state to an active state efficiently. The system ensures compatibility with existing protocols while improving the speed and reliability of connection establishment, particularly in scenarios where the initial request includes specific configuration details. This approach minimizes redundant signaling and enhances overall network performance by dynamically adapting the RRC setup process based on the content of the initial request. The solution is particularly relevant for 5G and beyond networks, where low-latency communication is critical.
9. The network of claim 6 , wherein the instructions further comprise: the first CU receiving a UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE message, in response to the UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message, wherein the UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE message comprises a third CellGroupConfig for the first communication device; and the first CU transmitting a second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message comprising a RRCResume message, to the first DU, wherein the RRCResume message comprises the third CellGroupConfig.
A wireless communication network includes a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) that manage radio resource control (RRC) connections for user equipment (UE). The network addresses the challenge of efficiently transferring RRC configuration data between the CU and DU during UE context setup. The CU sends a UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message to the DU, which includes a first CellGroupConfig for the UE. The DU then transmits an RRCResumeRequest message to the UE, containing this configuration. The CU receives a UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE message from the DU, which includes a second CellGroupConfig for the UE. The CU then forwards this updated configuration to the DU via a second DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message, which carries an RRCResume message containing the second CellGroupConfig. This ensures the DU has the latest RRC configuration for the UE, enabling seamless communication. The system optimizes RRC signaling by dynamically updating configurations during the connection resumption process, reducing latency and improving efficiency in wireless networks.
10. The network of claim 6 , wherein the instructions further comprise: the first CU receiving part of the first UE AS context from the first DU or a second DU; and the first CU generating another part of the first UE AS context.
This invention relates to a distributed network architecture for wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the management of user equipment (UE) access stratum (AS) context in a centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) split architecture. The problem solved is the efficient distribution and generation of UE AS context across multiple network nodes to optimize resource utilization and reduce signaling overhead. The network includes a first centralized unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), where the CU is responsible for higher-layer protocol functions and the DU handles lower-layer functions. The invention improves upon prior systems by enabling the first CU to receive part of the UE AS context from either the first DU or a second DU, while generating the remaining part of the context itself. This allows for flexible context management, reducing the need for full context transfers between nodes and improving handover efficiency. The solution supports scenarios where context may be partially available at different DUs, ensuring seamless connectivity without requiring complete context regeneration. The distributed approach minimizes latency and signaling load, particularly in dense network deployments or during mobility events. The invention is applicable to 5G and beyond networks, where CU-DU separation is a key architectural feature.
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August 18, 2020
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